First pitch: 7:10 p.m. ET
Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, Queens, New York
This is Game 2 of a three-game interleague series. The Orioles won a tight 2-1 contest on Monday (Gunnar Henderson’s eighth-inning solo homer proved decisive), officially eliminating the Mets from postseason contention. Baltimore remains alive in the AL wild-card chase (trailing the final spot by a few games).
Starting Pitchers
Shane Baz (RHP, Orioles) — 6-15, 4.05 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 150 SO in 169.0 IP. He has been a workhorse with solid strikeout numbers and a manageable home-run rate. Recent starts have been mixed but generally competitive; he has prior success against Mets-type lineups.
Sean Manaea (LHP, Mets) — 5-7, 4.79 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 126 SO in 133.1 IP. The left-hander has shown inconsistency later in the season (several starts allowing multiple earned runs). He can miss bats but has been more hittable at times. Platoon advantages and recent form will be key.
Current Weather Forecast
Mostly sunny to clear skies with highs around 70–73°F near first pitch. Light winds (ESE/SE around 5–8 mph). Low precipitation chance (near 0–5% during the game). Excellent conditions for baseball at Citi Field with minimal weather impact expected.
Injury Reports
Orioles:
Luis Robert Jr. (CF, hamstring) — 10-day IL.
Christian Franklin (CF, hand) — 10-day IL.
Blaze Alexander (3B, back) — 10-day IL.
Tyler O’Neill (RF, shoulder) — 10-day IL.
Kyle Bradish (SP, lower abdominal) — 15-day IL.
Longer-term: Ryan Mountcastle (1B), Ryan Helsley (RP), Félix Bautista (RP), Zach Eflin (SP), others (elbow/shoulder).
Mets:
Cionel Pérez (RP, forearm) — 15-day IL.
Devin Williams (RP, shoulder) — 15-day IL.
Tylor Megill (SP, elbow) — 60-day IL.
Jorge Polanco (DH, ankle) — 60-day IL.
Reed Garrett (RP, elbow) — 60-day IL.
Both clubs are dealing with significant absences in the outfield, infield depth, and bullpen/rotation.
Recent Team Forms
Orioles (3-2 last 5): Won Monday 2-1 behind strong relief (Yennier Cano, Rico Garcia save) and Henderson’s power. Prior results mixed vs. Toronto and Cleveland. Season: struggling overall but still mathematically alive for a wild-card spot. Away: 37-39. Offense features power (Henderson, Pete Alonso in return to Queens, Jackson Holliday).
Mets (2-3 last 5): Lost a close one Monday (A.J. Ewing solo HR the lone run; offense stranded multiple runners). Recent results included a big win over the Yankees mixed with losses. Season: eliminated from playoffs after a high-payroll campaign; home record 34-41. Key pieces include Francisco Lindor, Bo Bichette, and Juan Soto.
Series History
Orioles lead 1-0 after Monday’s win. Limited prior 2026 meetings; interleague history is typically competitive. Citi Field has seen low-scoring affairs at times this year.Key Player vs.
Player Matchups / Trends
Baz vs. Mets hitters: Left-handed bats (Soto, Lindor if switch, etc.) could be tested by Baz’s stuff. Power threats like Bichette and Ewing will look to capitalize on any mistakes. Baz’s strikeout ability gives him an edge in a pitchers’ duel environment.
Manaea (LHP) vs. Orioles hitters: Right-handed power (Alonso returning to Citi Field, Henderson, Holliday, Kjerstad) may benefit from the platoon edge. Manaea’s recent higher ERA raises concern against a lineup that manufactured just enough runs Monday.
Standouts: Gunnar Henderson (hot after Monday’s winner), Pete Alonso (emotional return and power), Jackson Holliday; Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Bo Bichette for New York. Both teams rank high in home runs but have middling overall offense.
Team edges: Similar team ERAs (~4.16–4.18); Orioles have slightly better recent momentum and a more reliable starter on paper in Baz.
Betting Trends
Monday’s game stayed under; both teams have seen low-scoring outcomes recently. Orioles have value as road underdogs after a strong pitching/relief performance. Citi Field can suppress scoring depending on conditions.
Game Odds
Baltimore Orioles 8
New York Mets – 129
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, September 14, 2026
